Washing apparatus for alternatively supplying cleaning solution and rinse fluid



Sept. 21, 1965 M. DURRANT 3,207,165

WASHING APPARATUS FOR ALTERNATIVELY SUPPLYING CLEANING SOLUTION ANDRINSE FLUID Filed Dec. 23, 1963 6 Sheets-Sheet l FIG. 2

INVENTOR. MARION L. DURRANT k9 BY ATTORNEY Sept. 21, 1965 M. L. DURRANT3,207,165

WASHING APPARATUS FOR ALTERNATIVELY SUPPLYING CLEANING SOLUTION ANDRINSE FLUID Filed Dec. 25, 1963 6 Sheets-Sheet 2 FIG.3

INVENTOR. MARION L. DURRANT ATTORN EY Sept. 21, 1965 M. L. DURRANT3,207,165

WASHING APPARATUS FOR ALTERNATIVELY SUPPLYING CLEANING SOLUTION ANDRINSE FLUID Filed Dec. 23, 1963 6 Sheets-Sheet 5 so 8 O F -ul 0 62 a 66O I o o O :5

7s 79 Wflk 7s 79 as so 65 I 77 FIG. 5

a2 1 I06 I N q 56 57 66 INVENTOR. MARION DURRANT BY F IG. 4 4M ATTORNEYSept. 21, 1965 M. L. DURRANT 3,207,165

WASHING APPARATUS FOR ALTERNATIVELY SUPPLYING CLEANING SOLUTION ANDRINSE FLUID Filed Dec. 23, 1963 6 Sheets-Sheet 4 F I G 6 F I G 8INVENTOR.

MARION L. DURRANT ATTORNEY Sept. 21, 1965 M. L. DURRANT 3,207,165

WASHING APPARATUS FOR ALTERNATIVELY SUPPLYING CLEANING SOLUTION ANDRINSE FLUID Filed Dec. 23, 1963 6 Sheets-Sheet 5 FIG. 9

8 INVENTOR MARION L. DURRANT ATTORNEY Sept. 21, 1965 M. DURRANT3,207,165

WASHING APPARATUS F0 LTERNATIVELY SUPPLYING CLEANING SOLUT AND RINSEFLUID Filed Dec. 25, 1963 6 Sheets-Sheet 6 FIG. "-6

INVENTOR MARION L. DURRANT BY X 44. M

ATTORNEY United States Patent WASHING APPARATUS FOR ALTERNATIVELYSUPPLYING CLEANING SOLUTION AND RINSE FLUID Marion L. Durraut, Wichita,Kans., assignor to Dyna-(10., Inc., Wichita, Kans. Filed Dec. 23, 1963,Ser. No. 332,600 8 Claims. (Cl. 134-58) This invention relates to awashing apparatus, more specifically to self-service vehicle washingapparatus, still more specifically to self-service vehicle washingapparatus adapted to provide cleaning solution through a manuallyoperated spray gun for a limited length of time for washing a vehicle orthe like.

Vehicle washers are in general old in the art. A com mon type of vehiclewlashing apparatus known to the prior art is an apparatus having aplurality of stationarily mounted nozzles that are directed inwardly andadapted to play against a vehicle as it is moved along a predeterminedpath in the stream of the nozzles. This type of vehicle washingapparatus requires a very large capital investment since it is verycomplicated, often involving a track and a moving means to move thevehicle past the nozzles. Further, this type of apparatus is quiteexpensive to operate since it has complex mechanism and a great deal ofplumbing which must be maintained. Further, this apparatus in operationrequires a large amount of water and cleaning solution because it is notefficient since the nozzles are not all directed at the vehicle beingwashed at all times. Most important, this apparatus re quires one ormore operators in order to operate and direct the traffic through same.With the wages of employees constantly rising, with the attendantpossibility of strikes, etc. this item of expense is quite significant.In conventional commercial car washing apparatus the employees must alsocollect for the washing service with the attendant possibility that theemployees may be tempted to dishonestly pocket the money received. Ingeneral, the washing apparatus of the prior art fails to teach acoin-operated vehicle washing apparatus that is manually operated whichis inexpensive to construct and subsequently maintain, and does notrequire the services of one or more full time employees to operate it.

The new washing means of this invention is a washing apparatus havingmeans to provide under pressure cleaning medium and alternately toprovide rinsing medium. A means is provided to initiate operation of themeans to provide washing and rinsing medium. And, means is also providedto selectively control which of the cleaning and rinsing medium isprovided.

In a preferred specific embodiment of the invention, there is spraymeans which is manually operated to direct the cleaning and rinsingmedium and such is preferably a spray gun having a spray nozzle and ahand operated valve to control fiow therethrough. The washing apparatushas a source of water, a water heater operably connected to the sourceof water, and a pumping and mixing means. The pumping and mixing meanshas a mixing valve with first and second inlets, and an outlet. Adetergent solution tank is also provided. A fluid pump is operablyconnected by conduits to the source of water, the water heater, a mixingvalve, the detergent solution tank and the spray means. The pump isadapted to provide at the spray means a cleaning solution, or rinsewater. Suitable shutoff-valve means are connected to the mixing valve toeither combine the detergent solution contained in the solution tank orexclude it during operation. This operation is accomplished with asolenoid valve which controls the flow of detergent solution to .aninlet of the mixing valve. A coin-operated switch and an associatedtimer means initiates operation of the washing apparatus for a limitedlength of time.

The vehicle washing apparatus of the invention solves all the problemsassociated with vehicle washing apparatus known to the prior art. In thewashing apparatus of this invention, only a small capital investment isrequired to place it in operation since its mechanism is relativelysimple and is very dependable and trouble-free in operation. After thevehicle washing apparatus is in operation it is relatively inexpensiveto maintain requiring only a periodic inspection and servicing. Themaintenance and servicing can be accomplished by a relatively unskilledperson. Persons using the washing apparatus initiate operation of it byplacing appropriate coins in the apparatus. An employee is not requiredto operate the apparatus or to collect and handle service fees. Thiselimin'ates the expense of an employee operator, and the attendant riskof a dishonest employee pocketing service charges as often occurs inconventional prior art vehicle washing apparatus. The washing apparatusof my invention enables the person utilizing it to obtain efficient,efiective but inexpensive vehicle washing service of a vehicle or thelike. Further, the apparatus is particularly adapted to clean the motorand other ordinarily ina'ccessible areas of a vehicle or the like whichprior art apparatus are not adapted to wash.

It is an object of this invention to provide a new washing apparatus.

Another object of this invention is to provide a new self-servicevehicle washing apparatus adapted to provide under high pressure acleaning solution, and a rinse.

Yet another object of this invention is to provide a coinoperatedvehicle washing apparatus that does not require an employee to operatesame.

Another object of this invention is to provide a vehicle washingapparatus that is manually operated and adapted to clean and rinse thevehicle motor and other ordinarily inaccessible vehicle elements.

Yet another object of this invention is to provide a new vehicle washingapparatus which can be put into operation with a relatively smallcapital investment.

Still another object of this invention is to provide a vehicle washingapparatus that is inexpensive to operate and maintain.

Another object of this invention is to provide a selfservice c'arwashing apparatus that is simple and yet dependable in operation.

Still another object of this invention is to provide a car washingapparatus adapted to provide at a manually directable spraying means aheated detergent and water solution and a heated rinse water under highpressure in a broad spray pattern adapted to efiiciently clean and rinsethe surface of a vehicle or other apparatus being washed.

Still another object of this invention is to provide a self-service carwashing apparatus adapted to supply an inexpensive vehicle washingservice to the public.

Other objects and advantages of the invention will be apparent to thoseskilled in the art from the disclosure set forth herein.

Drawings of preferred specific embodiments of the invention accompanyand are a part hereof and such are to be understood to not unduly limitthe scope of the invention. In the drawings,

FIG. 1 is a top view of a preferred specific embodiment of the inventionillustrating a typical multiple stall arrangement.

FIG. 2 is a front elevational view of the preferred specific embodimentof the invention illustrated in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a view in cross section taken on line 33 of FIG. 2illustrating the arrangement and structure of the Washing and mixingmechanism.

FIG. 4 is a detail cross sectional view taken on line 4-4 of FIG. 3.

FIG. 5 is a top elevational view of the tructure shown in FIG. 4.

FIG. 6 is a cross sectional view of a check valve in the conduitsupplying detergent and water solution to the mixing valve.

FIG. 7 is a detail view of the hanger means used to support the sprayingmeans conduit.

FIG. 8 is a side view in broken cross section of the structure shown inFIG. 7.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing the coin-operated switch means, thetimer means, and the switch means to select the type of solution beingsprayed, and also a bracket to mount the spraying gun.

FIG. 10 is a front elevational view of the spray gun.

FIG. l1A is a front view of the nozzle apparatus used in the spray gundepicted in FIG. 10.

FIG. 11-B is a cross sectional view of the nozzle depicted in FIG. 11-A.

FIG. 11C is a side elevational view of the spray nozzle.

FIG. 12 is a cross sectional view in broken cross section taken on line12 of FIG. 2.

FIG. 13 is a detail cross sectional view taken on line 13 of FIG. 1.

The following is a discussion and description of the new vehicle washingapparatus of the invention made with reference to the drawings, whereinthe same reference numerals are used to indicate the same or similarparts and/ or structure. The discussion and description are of preferredspecific embodiments of the vehicle washing apparatus of the invention,and it is to be understood that such are to unduly limit the scope ofthe invention.

Referring now to FIGS. 1 through 13, there is shown a specificembodiment of the self-service vehicle washing apparatus 10. The vehiclewashing apparatus 10 has a plurality of car stalls 12. Each car stall 12has parallel upright walls 14, open ends, and a floor 16 preferably ofconcrete sloped toward the center thereof, having a drain 18 to acceptthe resultant fluid flow. The specific construction of the upright walls14 is shown in FIGS. 12 and 13. The wall 14 has aligned and spacedupright posts 19, each having a flat transverse base plate 28 welded tothe bottom. The base 28 is affixed to the floor 16 by bolts 21 embeddedin the concrete of floor 16. U-shaped channel irons 22 are secured toone or both sides of post 19 to accept a corrugated metal panel 23. Asshown in FIG. 2, a horizontal beam member 24 supported on wall 14 hasidentifying indicia 25 mounted thereon. Lights 17 are mounted on the topof walls 14 to properly illuminate the car stalls 12. A manuallyoperated washing means is associated with the washing apparatus 10 andhas a separate outlet and control for same in each of car stalls 12. Thewashing apparatus is depicted in FIG. 3 and has a source of water 26,which in practice can be a conduit from a city water main, a privatelyowned well having its own pressure pumping system, or any other suitablesource of water. A water softener tank 28 having an inlet 29, an outlet36 and a water softener type ion exchange resin disposed therein isprovided. A water heater 32 having an inlet 33 and an outlet 34 ispositioned in closed proximity to water softener tank 28. A suitable gasconduit 35 connected to a gas main or tank is provided to heat the waterheater 32. However, if necessary or desirable other forms of energy suchas oil, electricity, etc., can be used to heat water heater 32. Aconduit means 36 is provided and connects with the source of water 26and the inlet 29 of the Water softener tank 28. Another conduit 38 isconnected to the outlet 30 of the water softener tank 28 and the inlet33 of water heater 32. A pressure regulator 39 is connected in conduit38 and is preferably set for 40 pounds per square inch. Also connectedto inlet 33 of water heater tank 32 is a short conduit 40 having a valveon the end thereof adapted to draw water from the water tank 32 fortesting, etc. A generally similar valve outlet 15 is connected adjacentoutlet 30. A conduit means 42 is connected to the conduit means 36 andconduit means 38 providing a mean to bypass water softener tank 28.

V A plurality of valves 44 is disposed in conduits 36 and 38 and 42, andin use are adapted to alternately enable water to be transferred to thewater heater 32 from the source of water 26 through the water softener28 or bypassing it. A tank 46 having a salt therein is positionedadjacent the water softener tank 28. The salt in tank 46 is adapted toprovide a salt solution to recondition the ion exchange resin in thewater softener 28. A conduit means 48 is provided between the watersoftener tank 28 and the tank for salt 46 for back flushing a salt andwater solution through the ion exchange resin to regenerate it. A valveand timer means 50 interposed between tank 46 and water conditioner 28is provided for periodically causing back flushing of the ion exchangeresin. Preferably a timer is set to cause the back flushing operation tooccur during a slack period of use of the vehicle washing apparatus,normally in the very early hours of the morning.

A relatively large detergent solution tank 52 is positioned adjacent thewater heater 32. A conduit means 54 connected to conduit 38 and having avalve 55 therein is adapted to supply water to detergent solution tank52. A horizontal mounting platform 56 is disposed on the top of thedetergent solution tank 52. Preferably the detergent tank 52 has an opentop. A plurality of pumping and mixing means 58 are mounted on mountingplatform 56. A separate pumping and mixing means 58 is provided for eachof the car stalls 12 to supply cleaning solution and rinsing solutionthereto using the tank 52 as a common tank. In FIG. 3 of the drawingsthere is illustrated only a single washing and mixing apparatus 58mounted on mixing platform 56. Actually a similar pumping and mixingapparatus is mounted on each of the circular mounting platforms 57. Aconduit means 60 is connected to the outlet 34 of water heater 32 andpro- Vides a plurality of water outlets 61 at spaced positions along themounting platform 56 adjacent each of the pumping and mixing means 58mounted thereon. Preferably a shut-off valve 11 is disposed in conduit66 adjacent the outlet 34 of the water heater 32. Each of the pumpingand mixing means 58 has an aspirator type mixing valve 62 having inlets63 and 64, an outlet 65 and an adjustment means 15 therein for varyingthe ratio of fluids entering the inlets 63 and 64. The adjustment means15 for varying the ratio of fluids is a conventional needle valveadapted to provide a 10 to 1 ratio between the fluids entering inlets 63and 64. A conduit means 66 is connected to outlet 61 of conduit 60 andto the inlet 63 of the mixing valve 62. A pressure regulator 106 isconnected in conduit 66 to regulate the pressure of the inbound water tothe pumping and mixing means 58 to about 30 pounds per square inch. Acut-off solenoid valve 68 to control the flow of water in the conduitmeans 66 to the inlet 63 of mixing valve 62 is provided. A conduit means70 is connected to the inlet 64 of mixing valve 62 and has an open end71 disposed in the detergent solution tank adapted to draw detergentsolution therefrom. On the bottom of conduit 70 is disposed at checkvalve 72 illustrated in detail in FIG. 6. The check valve 72 has :3 anaperture 73 having a ball 74 with a diameter greater than the aperture73 seated in it. A stop means 75 in the form of a screw prevents theball 74 from being drawn upwardly into the mixing valve 62 in the eventthat the flow in conduit 70 is extremely high. A solenoid cut-off valve76 is provided to control the flow of detergent solution to mixing valve62 through conduit 70. A piston type fluid pump 77 having an inlet andan outlet is provided. If necessary or desirable any suitable type pump,as for example a rotary pump, can be used. A motor 78 drives pump 77. Aconduit means 79 is connected to the outlet 65 of the mixing valve 62and the inlet of pump 77. A conduit means 80 is connected to the outletof pump 77 and to a spraying means 81 associated with the pumping andmixing valve and disposed in each respective car stall 12. A bypassmeans is provided for the pump 77 which includes a relief valve 82having an outlet, and an inlet communicating with the conduit means 80,and a separate conduit means 83 having one end connected to the outletof relief valve 82 and the other end communicating with the conduitmeans 79. The bypass means provides an important safeguard to the pumpand motor which prevents overloading of the motor 78 and possible damageto pump 77 when the spraying means 81 is closed.

A suitable housing means 84 having a door 85 therein encloses thewashing means, including the detergent tank 52, hot water heater 32,softener tank 28, etc. Housing means 84 serves to protect the pumpingand mixing means, tanks, heaters, etc. from the cold and possible dangerdue to freezing during the colder seasons of the year. An arm 86 isprovided in each of stalls 12 for supporting the free end of conduit 80.The resiliently mounted arm 86 maintains the end of conduit 80 out ofthe way while the person washing the vehicle is manipulating thespraying means 81. The arm 86 has a mounting bracket 87, including avertically positioned bolt, disposed in each car stall 12 on arespective wall. A pivoted tubular element 89 enclosing a portion ofconduit 80 is pivotally supported on the pivoted portion 88 as shown inFIG. 7. Spring means 90 is connected to the tubular element 89 and thepivoted portion 88 and maintains the tubular element 89 in a raisedposition.

The spraying means 81 includes a spray gun 91 on the end of conduit 80having a manually operated valve means 92 operated by trigger 109 forcontrolling the fluid flow therethrough and a nozzle orifice fitting 93.A handle 108 is provided on spray gun 91 to facilitate handling. Thefitting 93 is depicted in detail in FIGS. ll-A, l1-B, and ll-C. Thefitting 93 has a large longitudinally extending bore 94, an exteriorallythreaded portion 95 adapting it to be secured to the spray gun 91 ofspray means 81, a relatively smaller longitudinally extending bore 96communicating with bore 94, and a thin elongated transverse slot 97 inthe opposite end of fitting 93 communicating with the relatively smallerbore 96. The orifice fitting 93 will produce a fine spray when fluid ispumped through it under pressure. The particular shape of the nozzleorifice, namely the elongated slit produces a desirable broad elongatedoval spray pattern. The orifice fitting 93 is preferably mounted on theend of a long tube 98 affixed to the main body of spray gun 91. Abracket 99 having an opening 100 to receive conduit 98 of spray gun 91provides a suitable mounting for holding same when the spray gun is notin operation. The bracket is preferably mounted in an inclined positionon an upright wall 14.

A coin-operated switch 101 and a timing means 102 is mounted on theupright wall 14 of each car stall 12. The switch means 101 in useinitiates operation of the washing means after coins of the suitabledenomination are placed therein and the switch means forced inwardly. Asource of electricity is provided and suitable electrical wiring meansoperatively associated with the switch 101, the timer 102, motor 78, andcut-off solenoid valves 68 and 76 to achieve the hereinafter describedmode of operation, the electrical wiring means is believed within thescope of one skilled in the art and will therefore not be described indetail. In general, the wiring means is operative after thecoin-operated switch means is actuated to supply current to the timermeans 102 to initiateits cycle. The timer has suitable electricalcontacts that open and close during the cycle in combination with theelectrical wiring means to open solenoid valve 68, activate the motor78, and provide electrical current to solenoid shut-off valve 76 toenable it to be controlled by manually operated selector switch 104. Atthe end of a predetermined cycle extended over a time interval the timermeans 102 disconnects the source of electricity and the solenoid valves68 and 76 and motor 78 to deactivate the washing means. The manuallyoperated switch 104 and the associated electrical wiring means makespossible a selection of either a cleaning solution or a rinse water tobe supplied at the spray means 81. The switch 104 in one position willcause solenoid valve means 76 to open to allow passage of a detergentsolution to the mixing valve 62 where it is combined with heated waterfrom the water heater 32, and subsequently be expelled or sprayed fromthe spray means 81, or in the alternative position, cause solenoid valveto be closed to thereby block passage of the detergent solution tomixing valve 62. In such an instance only heated water, preferablysoftened, will be supplied to the spray means 81. Preferably the switch104 is inactivated when the timer 102 is not in operation.

In operation one using the vehicle washing apparatus of the inventiondrives the vehicle to be washed into car stall 12. Coins of the suitabledenomination are deposited into coin-operated switch 101. Prior todepositing the coins the switch 104 is set to the position for supplyinga cleaning solution of detergent and water. Upon depositing the coins inswitch 101 and activating same the electrical circuit associatedtherewith activates the timer means. The timer upon being activatedsupplies current to motor 78 driving pump 77. The pump 77 is adapted todevelop a high pressure in conduit 80. This pressure is desirably on theorder of 500 to 600 pounds per square inch. The electrical circuitassociated with the timing means opens the solenoids 68 and 76 allowingthe pump 77 to pump heated and softened water from tank 32, which waterhas been preferably treated by passing same through water softening tank28, and detergent solution from tank 52, and supply the mixture to thespray means under high pressure. The person washing the vehicle firstsprays the vehicle with the cleaning solution, preferably holding thenozzle at a distance of 10 to 12 inches from the surface thereof. Afterthe vehicle has been completely sprayed with the cleaning solution, theoperator changes the position of switch 104. Switch 104 and theelectrical circuit means associated therewith operates to close thesolenoid valve 76 on mixing valve 62. Upon closing the solenoid valve 76the detergent solution from tank 52 is no longer admitted to a mixingvalve 62. The pump 77 thereby supplies only a rinsing Water to the spraymeans 81 through conduit 80. The operator then thoroughly rinses off thevehicle being washed with a rinsing water. After a predetermined time,preferably on the order of about five minutes, the timer associated withswitch 101 completes its cyle and thereby breaks the electrical circuitsupplying electrical current to motor 78 and solenoids 68 and 76 therebycausing the motor and pump 77 to stop, and the solenoid valves to closeto effectively deactivate the washing means.

The maintenance of the vehicle washing apparatus of the invention isvery simple. Since the timing means 50 periodically backs flushes theion exchange resin contained in water softening 28 from a salt solutionin tank 46 this salt solution is replenished from time to time. Themaintenance personnel must also add detergent to the tank 52 and alsoallow water to enter from conduit 54. If desired, an automaticdispensing means can be provided to largely eliminate this operation. Itis understood that the electrical circuitry and conduit system can bemodified to provide for a modified type of operation if desired. Alsothe elements of the washing apparatus can be repositioned, and thesolenoid valves substituted with manually operated valves if desired.

While there have been described and illustrated preferred specificembodiments of the invention, it is understood that the washingapparatus and elements thereof of the invention disclosed can be made inother forms than herein described or suggested without departing fromthe spirit of the invention or scope of the claims.

I claim:

1. A self-service car washing apparatus comprising, a plurality of carstalls, each having parallel upright walls and open ends, illuminatinglight means on said walls, a floor sloped toward the center thereof, anda drain, and a manually operated washing means associated with said carstalls comprising, a source of Water, a water softener tank having aninlet, an outlet, and water softener type ion exchange resin disposedtherein, a water heater having an inlet and an outlet, first conduitmeans connecting said source of water and the inlet of said wataersoftener tank, a second conduit means connected to the outlet of saidWater softener tank and the inlet of said water heater, a pressureregulator in said second conduit means, a third conduit means connectedto said first and second conduit means, valve means in said first,second and third conduit means to alternately enable water to betransferred to said water heater from said source of water through saidwater softener or bypassing it, a tank having salt therein forreconditioning said ion exchange resin in said water softener, fourthconduit means between said water softener and the tank for salt for backflushing a salt and water solution through said ion exchange resin toregenerate same, means to automatically periodically cause said ionexchange resin in said water softener to be regenerated, a relativelylarge detergent solution tank, a mounting platform disposed on the topof said detergent solution tank, a plurality of pumping and mixing meanson said mounting platform, a fifth conduit means connected to the outletof said water heater and providing a plurality of outlets at spacedpositions along said mounting platform adjacent each of said pumping andmixing means, a safety valve in said fifth conduit adjacent the outletof said Water heater, each of said pumping and mixing means comprisedof, an aspirator type mixing valve having first and second inlets, anoutlet, an adjustment means for varying the ratio of fluids enteringsaid first and second inlets, a sixth conduit means connected to saidfifth conduit means and said first inlet of said mixing valve, a firstcut-off solenoid valve to control the flow of water in said sixthconduit to said mixing valve, a seventh conduit means connected to saidsecond inlet of said mixing valve having an open end disposed in saiddetergent solution tank adapted in use to draw detergent solutiontherefrom, a second cut-off solenoid valve to control flow of detergentsolution to said mixing valve, a piston fluid pump having an inlet andan outlet, a motor driving said pump, an eighth conduit means connectedto the outlet of said mixing valve and the inlet of said pump, a ninthconduit means connected to the outlet of said pump and to a sprayingmeans disposed in an associated car stall, a bypass means for said pumpcomprising, a relief valve having an outlet and an inlet communicatingwith said ninth conduit means, a tenth conduit means having one endconnected to said outlet of said relief valve and the other endcommunicating with said eighth conduit means, and housing meansenclosing said washing means, an arm for supporting the free end of saidtenth conduit having a mounting bracket including a verticallypositioned bolt disposed in said car stall on a respective upright wall,a pivoted portion mounted on said bolt of said bracket to pivot about avertical axis, an elongated tubular element having disposed therein anintermediate portion of said tenth conduit, means pivotally supportingsaid tubular element on said pivoted portion, said last-mentioned meansadapted to pivot about a horizontal axis, a spring means connected tosaid tubular element and said pivoted portion for maintaining saidtubular element in raised position, a spray gun on the end of said tenthconduit means having a handle and a manually operated valve means forcontrolling the fluid flow therethrough, and a nozzle orifice element insaid spray gun, said orifice element having a large bore and anexteriorly threaded portion on one end, a relatively smaller bore in theintermediate portion, and a thin elongated transverse slit in theopposite end communicating with said smaller bore, a timer means, acoin-operated switch means for initiating operation of said timer meansmounted on an upright wall of each respective car stall, electricalcircuit means associated with said timer means for selectively supplyingelectrical current for a predetermined interval to maintain operation ofsaid timer means, and said motor, open said first solenoid valve, tothereby supply at the spray gun a heated solution of detergent andwater, a manually operated switch on said upright wall adjacent saidcoin-operated switch, and electrical circuit means connected to saidmanual switch and said second solenoid valve to close same during thetiming cycle of said timer to provide rinse washing water at the spraygun.

2. A self-service car washing apparatus comprising, a car stall havingparallel upright walls and open ends, a floor having a slope thereof,and a drain, and a manually operated washing means associated with saidcar stall comprising, a source of water, a water softener tank having aninlet, an outlet, and a water softener type ion exchange resin disposedtherein, a water heater having an inlet and an outlet, first conduitmeans connecting said source of water and the inlet of said watersoftener tank, a second conduit means connected to the outlet of saidwater softener tank and the inlet of said water heater, a third conduitmeans connected to said first and second conduit means, valve means insaid first, second and third conduit means to alternately enable waterto be transferred to said water heater from said source of water throughsaid water softener tank or bypassing it, a tank having a salt thereinfor reconditioning the ion exchange resin in said water softener, fourthconduit means between said water softener and said tank for salt forback flushing a salt and water solution through said ion exchange toregenerate same, a detergent solution tank, a mounting platform, apumping and mixing means on said mounting platform, a fifth conduitmeans connected to the outlet of said water heater and providing anoutlet adjacent said mounting platform, said pumping and mixing meanscomprising, an aspirator type mixing valve having first and secondinlets, an outlet, an adjustment means for varying the ratio of fluidsentering said first and second inlets, a sixth conduit means connectedto said fifth conduit means and said first inlet of said mixing valve, afirst cut-off solenoid valve to control the flow of water therethrough,a seventh conduit means connected to said second inlet of said mixingvalve having an open end disposed in said detergent solution tankadapted to draw detergent solution therefrom, a second cut-off solenoidvalve to control fiow of detergent solution to said mixing valve, apiston fluid pump having an inlet and an outlet, a motor driving saidpump, a timing means for actuating said first solenoid valve and saidmotor, an eighth conduit means connected to the outlet of said mixingvalve and the inlet of said pump, a ninth conduit means connected to theoutlet of said pump and to a spraying means disposed in said car stall,a bypass means for said pump comprising, a relief valve having an outletand an inlet communicating with said ninth conduit means, a tenthconduit means having one end connected to said outlet of said reliefvalve and the other end communicating with said eighth conduit means,said spray means positioned on the end of said tenth conduit meanshaving a manually operated valve means for controlling the fluidtherefrom, and a nozzle orifice in said spray means, said orifice havinga relatively large bore at one end thereof, a relatively smaller bore inthe intermediate portion thereof, and a thin elongated transverse slitin the opposite end communicating with said relatively smaller bore, acoin-operated switch means for initiating operation of said timer meansmounted on an upright wall of said car stall, electrical meansassociated with said timer means for supplying electrical current tosaid timer means to thereby start said timer means, actuate said motor,and open said solenoid valve to thereby supply to the spray means aheated solution of detergent and water, a manually operated switch onsaid upright wall adjacent said coin-operated switch, an electricalcircuit means connected to said manual switch and said second solenoidvalve to close same to thereby provide rinse washing water at the spraymeans.

3. A self-service car washing apparatus comprising, a car stall havingupright walls and open ends, a floor sloped toward a drain, a manuallyoperated washing means comprising, a source of water, a water softenertank having an inlet, an outlet, and a water softener type ion exchangeresin disposed therein, a water heater having an inlet and an outlet,first conduit means connecting said source of water and the inlet ofsaid water softener tank, a second conduit means connected to the outletof said water softener tank and the inlet of said water heater, a thirdconduit means connected to said first and second conduit means, valvemeans in said first, second and third conduits to alternately enablewater to be transferred to said water heater from said source of waterthrough said water softener or bypassing it, a detergent solution tank,a mounting platform, a pumping and mixing means on said mountingplatform, said pumping and mixing means comprising, a mixing valvehaving first and second inlets, an outlet, an adjustment means forvarying the ratio of fluids entering said first and second inlets, afourth conduit means connected to the outlet of said water heater andsaid first inlet of said mixing valve, a first cut-off solenoid valve tocontrol the flow of water therethrough, a fifth conduit means connectedto said second inlet of said mixing valve and in communication with saiddetergent solution tank adapted in use to draw detergent solutiontherefrom, a second cut-off solenoid valve to control flow of detergentsolution to said mixing valve, a fluid pump having an inlet and anoutlet, a motor driving said pump, a sixth conduit means connected tothe outlet of said mixing valve and the inlet of said pump, a seventhconduit means connected to the outlet of said pump, spraying means disposed in said car stall communicating with said seventh conduit means, afluid bypass means for said pump, a support means in said car stallmounted on said upright wall for movably supporting the end extendingportion of said seventh conduit means, said spray means having amanually operated valve means for controlling of a fluid flowtherethrough, and a nozzle orifice, said orifice having a circular borecommunicating with a thin elongated transverse exterior slit, a timermeans, a switch means for initiating operation of said timer means,electrical circuit means associated with said timer means for supplyingelectrical current to said motor and said first solenoid valve to opensame to thereby supply at the spray means a heated solution of detergentand water, a second manually operated switch, circuit means connected tosaid second switch and said second solenoid valve to enable control ofsame to provide rinse washing water at the spray means when said secondsolenoid valve is in closed position.

4. A washing apparatus comprising, a manually operated washing meansincluding a source of water, a water softener tank having an inlet andan outlet, a water heater having an inlet and an outlet, first conduitmeans con- 10 necting said source of water and the inlet of said watersoftener tank, a second conduit means connected to the outlet of saidwater softener tank and the inlet of said water heater, a third conduitmeans connected to said first and second conduit means, valve means insaid aforementioned conduits to enable water to be transferred to saidwater heater from said source of water either through said watersoftener or bypassing it, a detergent solution tank, pumping and mixingmeans, comprised of a mixing valve having first and second inlets, andan outlet, a fourth conduit means connected to the outlet of said waterheater and to the first inlet of said mixing valve, a first cut-01fsolenoid valve to control the flow of water through said mixing valve, afifth conduit means connected to said second inlet of said mixing valvehaving an end in communication with said detergent solution tank adaptedto draw detergent solution therefrom, a second cut-off solenoid valve tocontrol flow of detergent solution to said mixing valve, a fluid pumphaving an inlet and an outlet, a means for driving said pump, a sixthconduit means connected to the outlet of said mixing valve and the inletof said pump, a seventh conduit means connected to the outlet of saidpump, a spraying means connected to said ninth conduit means, a fluidbypass means for said pump, said spray means having a spray gun, amanually operated valve means on said spray gun for controlling thefluid flow therethrough,

- and a nozzle orifice, a first switch means, a first electrical circuitto drive said pump and control said first solenoid valve to therebysupply at the spray gun the solution of detergent and water, a secondswitch, electrical circuit means associated with said second switch andsaid second solenoid valve to control same to provide a rinse washingwater at the spray gun.

5. A washing apparatus comprising, a source of water, a water heaterhaving an inlet and an outlet, first conduit means connecting saidsource of water to the inlet of said water heater, a detergent solutiontank, a pumping and mixing means comprising, a mixing valve having firstand second inlets, and an outlet, a second conduit means connecting theoutlet of said water heater to the first inlet of said mixing valve, afirst solenoid cut-off valve to control the flow of water to said mixingvalve, a third conduit connected to said second inlet of said mixingvalve and said detergent tank adapted in use to draw detergent solutiontherefrom, a second solenoid cutoff valve to control flow of detergentsolution to said mixing valve, a fluid pump having an inlet and anoutlet,

a means driving said fluid pump, a fourth conduit means connected to theoutlet of said mixing valve and the inlet of said pump, a fifth conduitmeans connected to the outlet of said pump, spraying means connected tothe fifth conduit means, bypass means for said fluid pump, said sprayingmeans including a manually operated valve means for controlling thefluid flow therethrough, and a nozzle orifice, first switch means, firstelectrical circuit means associated with said first switch means, saidfirst solenoid cut-off valve, and said means driving said pump tooperate said first solenoid cut-off valve and activate said meansdriving said pump in response to activation of said first switch means,second switch means, second electrical circuit means associated withsaid second switch means and said second solenoid cut-off valve tooperate said second cut-off valve in response to activation of saidsecond switch, said washing apparatus in use adapted to supply at thespray means through the nozzle thereof a heated solution of detergentand water with said second cut-off valve in open position, and a rinsingwashing water with said second cut-off valve in closed position.

6. A washing apparatus comprising, a source of water, a Water softenertank having an inlet and an outlet, and a water softener type ionexchange disposed therein, a water heater having an inlet and an outlet,first conduit means connecting said source of water and the inlet ofsaid water softener tank, a second conduit means connected to the outletof said water softener tank and the inlet of said water heater, a thirdconduit means connected to said first and second conduit means, valvemeans in said first, second and third conduit means to alternatelyenable water to be transferred to said water heater from said source ofwater through said water softener tank or bypassing it, a means toregenerate said ion exchange resin in said water softener tank, adetergent solution tank, a mounting platform, a pumping and mixing meanson said mounting platform, a fourth conduit means connected to theoutlet of said water heater and providing an outlet adjacent saidmounting platform, said pumping and mixing means comprising, anaspirator type mixing valve having first and second inlets, an outlet,and an adjustment means for varying the ratio of fluid entering saidfirst and second inlets, a fifth conduit means connected to said fourthconduit means and said first inlet of said mixing valve, a firstsolenoid cut-off valve to control the flow of water therethrough, asixth conduit means connected to said second inlet of said mixing valvehaving an open end disposed in said detergent solution tank adapted todraw detergent solution therefrom, a second solenoid cut-off valve tocontrol flow of detergent solution to said mixing valve, a piston fluidpump having an inlet and an outlet, a motor in said pump, a seventhconduit means connected to said outlet of said mixing valve and theinlet of said pump, an eighth conduit means connected to the outlet ofsaid pump, and a means connected to said first and said second solenoidcut-off valves to control operation thereof to enable said washing meansto alternately provide a cleaning solution and a rinse water.

7. A washing apparatus comprising, a manually op erated washing meansincluding a source of water, a water softening tank having an inlet andan outlet, a water heater having an inlet and an outlet, first conduitmeans connecting said source of water and the inlet of said watersoftener tank, a second conduit means connected to the outlet of saidwater softener tank and the inlet of said water heater, a third conduitmeans connected to said first and second conduit means, valve means insaid afore mentioned valve conduits to enable water to be transferred tosaid water heater from said source of water either through said watersoftener or bypassing same, a detergent solution tank, pumping andmixing means comprised of a mixing valve having first and second inletsand an outlet, a fourth conduit means connected to the outlet of saidwater heater and to the first inlet of said mixing valve, a firstcut-01f valve to control the flow of water to said mixing valve, anactuating means for said first cutoff valve, a fifth conduit meansconnected to said second inlet of said mixing valve having an end incommunication with said detergent solution tank adapted to drawdetergent solution therefrom, a second cut-off valve to control flow ofdetergent solution to said mixing valve, a means for actuating saidsecond cut-off valve, a fluid pump having an inlet and an outlet, ameans for driving said fluid pump, and a sixth conduit means connectedto the outlet of said mixing valve and the inlet of said fluid pump, aseventh conduit means connected to the outlet of said fluid pump, aspray means connected to said seventh conduit means, said spraying meanshaving a spray gun, a manually operated valve means on said spray gunfor controlling the fluid flow therethrough, and a nozzle orifice, afirst switch means, a first electrical circuit to drive said pump andcontrol said means to actuate said first cut-off valve to thereby supplyfluid to the spray gun, a second switch, a second electrical circuitmeans associated with said second switch and said means to actuate saidsecond cut-01f valve to control same to provide a rinse washing water atthe spray gun.

8. A washing apparatus comprising, a source of Water, a water heaterhaving an inlet connected to said source of water and an outlet, acleaning solution container, a pumping and mixing means comprising, amixing valve having first and second inlets, and an outlet, a firstconduit means connecting the outlet of said water heater to the firstinlet of said mixing valve, means to control the flow of water to saidmixing valve through said first conduit means, a second conduitconnected to said second inlet of said mixing valve and said solutioncontainer adapted in use to draw solution therefrom, a control valve insaid second conduit to control flow of cleaning solution to said mixingvalve, a fluid pump having an inlet and an outlet, pump drive meansconnected to said fluid pump, a third conduit means connected to theoutlet of said mixing valve and the inlet of said pump, a fourth conduitmeans connected to the outlet of said pump, spray means connected to thefourth conduit means, first switch means, first electrical circuit meansassociated with said first switch means and said pump drive means tooperate said pump in response to activation of said first switch means,second switch means, second electrical circuit means associated withsaid second switch means and said control valve to operate said controlvalve in response to activation of said second switch means, saidwashing ap paratus in use adapted to alternatively supply at the spraymeans a cleaning solution or a rinsing fluid.

References Cited by the Examiner UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,162,966 12/15Zaninovich 134100 1,759,601 5/30 Apeldorn 210191 2,036,634 4/36 Inch210-191 2,222,516 11/40 Powell 134101 X 2,558,472 6/51 Wilcox 134-1002,751,915 6/56 Roberts 134-123 3,139,238 6/64 Norstrud et al 13436 XCHARLES A. WILLMUTH, Primary Examiner. GEORGE I. NORTH, Examiner.

8. A WASHING APPARATUS COMPRISING, A SOURCE OF WATER, A WATER HEATERHAVING AN INLET CONNECTED TO SAID SOURCE OF WATER AND AN OUTLET, ACLEANING SOLUTION CONTAINER, A PUMPING AND MIXING MEANS COMPRISING, AMIXING VALVE HAVING FIRST AND SECOND INLETS, AND AN OUTLET, A FIRSTCONDUIT MEANS CONNECTING THE OUTLET OF SAID WATER HEATER TO THE FIRSTINLET OF SAID MIXING VALVE, MEANS TO CONTROL THE FLOW OF WATER TO SAIDMIXING VALVE THROUGH SAID FIRST CONDUIT MEANS, A SECOND CONDUITCONNECTED TO SAID SECOND INLET OF SAID MIXTURE VALVE AND SAID SOLUTIONCONTAINER ADAPTED IN USE TO DRAW SOLUTION THEREFROM, A CONTROL VALVE INSAID SECOND CONDUIT TO CONTROL FLOW OF CLEANING SOLUTION TO SAID MIXINGVALVE, A FLUID PUMP HAVING AN INLET AND AN OUTLET, PUMP DRIVE MEANSCONNECTED TO SAID FLUID PUMP, A THIRD CONDUIT MEANS CONNECTED TO THEOUTLET OF SAID MIXING VALVE AND THE INLET OF SAID PUMP, A FOURTH CONDUITMEANS CONNECTED TO THE OUTLET OF SAID PUMP, SPRAYMEANS CONNECTED TO THEFOURTH CONDUIT MEANS, FIRST SWITCH MEANS, FIRST ELECTRICAL CIRCUIT MEANSASSOCIATED WITH SAID FIRST SWITCH MEANS AND SAID PUMP DRIVE MEANS TOOPERATE SAID PUMP IN RESPONSE TO ACTIVATION OF SAID FIRST SWITCH MEANS,SECOND SWITCH MEANS, SECOND ELECTRICAL CIRCUIT MEANS ASSOCIATED WITHSAID SECOND SWITCH MEANS AND SAID CONTROL VALVE TO OPERATE SAID CONTROLVALVE IN RESPONSE TO ACTIVATION OF SAID SECOND SWITCH MEANS, SAIDWASHING APPARATUS IN USE ADAPTED TO ALTERNATIVELY SUPPLY AT THE SPRAYMEANS A CLEANING SOLUTION OR A RINSING FLUID.